India third country to make Apple iPhoneSci-Tech

Soon the Apple’s iPhone will have “Make in India” coming out from a factory which will be set up in Bengaluru. The Karnataka state government yesterday (2nd February) issued a release welcoming the tech giant Apple’s proposal “to commence initial manufacturing operations in the state.

In December last year it was revealed that Apple had finalized Bengaluru as the assembling location, but neither of the officials from Apple or the state government confirmed the development.

The release, which was signed by the state’s IT minister Priyank Kharge said that the Apple’s intention to manufacture their products in Bengaluru will foster cutting edge technology ecosystem and supply chain development in the state are critical for India to compete globally." Though the release did not provide a timeline of production, but it is expected to be in June this year.

India will be the third country in the world to assemble Apple iPhones; it is an indication that how important the country has become for the most valued company in the world. The release also said that state ministers and officials had met with several senior Apple executives, including Cupertino-based Priya Balasubramaniam, Vice President of iPhone operations, Dheeraj Chugh, director - iPhone operations, and Ali Khanafer, senior manager - government affairs (India and Middle East).

Taiwanese company Wistron, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of Apple, will make the iPhones out of its facility in the city's industrial hub of Peenya. The government said discussions are on with Apple for collaborations in other areas too.

Kharge said that they made concerted efforts to reach out Apple directly. As they want to create a conducive environment for global major like Apple.

Other states, Gujarat, Maharasthra and Telangana were also competing for the Apple facility.